Potassic fertilizers market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Russian potassic fertilizer production increased from 12 086 thousand tonnes to 15 368 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by the industry's focus on improving energy and resource efficiency, while the market remained highly consolidated within large chemical holdings.

In 2022, production fell sharply to 10 087 thousand tonnes. This decline was caused by sanctions and the closure of Baltic ports, which disrupted export logistics and reduced overseas shipments, particularly affecting the potassic segment.

Production rebounded from 2023 onward, reaching 18 044 thousand tonnes by 2025. This recovery was driven by the launch and modernization of production facilities, increased capacity utilization, and ongoing investment projects in potash mining and processing, including the entry of new market players.

Production potassic fertilizers in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Potassium fertilizer production in Russia has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 15 368 thousand tons of potassium fertilizers, marking a robust increase of 11.3% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 27.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports potassic fertilizers from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of potassium fertilizers have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 11 905 thousand tons, showing a strong year-on-year growth of 24.2%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 34.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Russia's potassium fertilizer exports in volume terms were Brazil, accounting for 29.3% of exports, China with 20.8%, and the United States at 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 57.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia's potassium fertilizer exports amounted to 3 322 million US dollars, an 87.0% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 776 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 24.0% also occurred in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In value terms from 2018 to 2021, Brazil was the largest buyer of Russian potassium fertilizers, making up 31.8% of exports, followed by China at 20.5%, and the United States with 7.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 59.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports potassic fertilizers to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, potassium fertilizer imports into Russia have rebounded. In 2021, import volume stood at 155 thousand tons, indicating a sharp increase of 40.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 10.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 110 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 35.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was the dominant supplier of potassium fertilizers to Russia, accounting for 88.9% of total imports in volume terms, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, a swing of 1.8 times. In 2021, potassium fertilizer shipments to Russia from abroad amounted to 48 million US dollars, equivalent to a sharp increase of 73.4% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 28 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 49 million US dollars. The largest decline of 43.3% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus consistently accounted for 75.3% of Russia's potassium fertilizer imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market, with the rest shared among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021